Nigeria booked a place in the final of the 2026 Unity Cup after debutant Femi Azeez scored twice in a commanding 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at The Valley in London on Tuesday night. The 24-year-old Millwall winger delivered a dream international debut, announcing himself with an early long-range strike before adding a second-half finish to seal Nigeria’s passage into the final of the invitational tournament.
Azeez, who recently enjoyed a breakout campaign in the English Championship, wasted little time making an impression. The winger opened scoring in the fifth minute with a powerful effort from outside the box after being picked out by captain Terem Moffi.
The goal immediately settled the Super Eagles, who dominated much of the first half and repeatedly troubled Zimbabwe’s defence with quick transitions and aggressive wing play.
Moffi, Philip Otele and Alhassan Yusuf all came close to extending Nigeria’s advantage before the break, but the Warriors managed to keep the deficit at one goal heading into halftime.
Zimbabwe, who had frustrated Nigeria in recent meetings including a 1-1 draw during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, improved after the restart and enjoyed more possession in midfield.
The Southern Africans pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Nigeria’s backline remained organised while goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo impressed on his senior international debut.
Okonkwo produced a crucial save midway through the second half to deny Zimbabwe a route back into the contest as pressure briefly mounted on Eric Chelle’s side.
Nigeria eventually doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Azeez finished calmly inside the area after another well-worked attacking move.
The second goal effectively ended Zimbabwe’s resistance and sent Nigerian supporters at The Valley into celebration as the Super Eagles moved one step closer to retaining the Unity Cup title they won in 2025.
Coach Eric Chelle used the encounter to assess fresh options ahead of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Several established stars including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi were absent from the squad, allowing newer faces to take centre stage.
Chelle introduced Rafiu Durosinmi, Owen Oseni, Tosin Oyedokun and Aderemi Adeoye from the bench during the second half as Nigeria rotated heavily late in the game.
Kenneth Igboke and Tochukwu Nnadi were booked for Nigeria, while substitute Owen Oseni also received a late caution shortly after coming on.
Zimbabwe responded with multiple substitutions of their own, including the withdrawal of experienced midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, but they struggled to break down Nigeria’s defence despite improved second-half urgency.
Azeez’s performance is already generating excitement among Nigerian fans, particularly after his impressive season with Millwall where he scored 11 goals and registered seven assists.
The Super Eagles will now face either Jamaica or India in Saturday’s final at The Valley as Chelle looks to secure his first trophy since taking charge of the national team.
